Celso Furtado Center releases documentary on Brazil's economic history

The Celso Furtado International Center for Development Policies (CICEF) has released a documentary titled ‘Economy and Democracy: An Economic History of the New Republic’ on its YouTube channel, TV CICEF. The one-hour film examines Brazil's economic trajectory from 1983 to 2022, focusing on the paradox of increased social inclusion occurring alongside low economic growth and stagnant productivity.

The documentary is structured into four distinct historical periods: the debt crisis and hyperinflation (1983–1992), monetary stabilization (1993–2002), social and economic expansion (2003–2012), and the recent decade of crisis (2013–2022). It highlights the impact of the 1988 Constitution and public policies such as the expansion of the Unified Health System (SUS), minimum wage increases, and income transfer programs.

Project creator Carlos Pinkusfeld Bastos, president of CICEF, notes that while Brazil has successfully integrated millions into consumption and higher education, structural productivity issues remain. The film combines economic indicators with personal accounts from workers and entrepreneurs to connect policy decisions to daily life.